The Dark Side of Social Media: How It's Affecting Athletes and Coaches

Strategic Insights -

Social media has transformed the way athletes connect with their fans, build their personal brands, and navigate the mental demands of competition. However, research suggests that excessive social media use can have negative consequences, including increased pressure, stress, and anxiety. Athletes, particularly young ones, are vulnerable to the effects of social media, which can disrupt their mental game and performance. Coaches are also caught in the middle, struggling to find a balance between providing guidance and respecting athletes' autonomy. As social media continues to play a central role in the lives of athletes, it's essential to understand the impact it has on their well-being and performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Social media can negatively impact athletes' mental health and well-being, increasing the risk of depression, low self-esteem, harassment, and burnout.
  • Research shows that excessive social media use can lead to effects similar to cyber-bullying, public scrutiny, and online abuse from fans.
  • Athletes, especially younger ones, are unaware of the effects social media has on their performance, with some studies suggesting that they may even prioritize online presence over actual performance.
  • Coaches are often more aware of the impact of social media on their athletes' performance and engagement, with many expressing concern about the pressure to perform and constant comparison with others.
  • Coaches need better education and resources to help them navigate the complex relationship between social media, athletes, and performance.
  • The American Psychological Association offers general guidelines for recognizing problematic social media use in youth, but athletes require unique guidance given their professional pressures and branding expectations.
  • Coaching resources need to be accessible, effective, and tailored to individual coaching methods to address the spectrum of coaches' involvement in athletes' social media lives.

Statistics:

  • US$2.8 billion: The amount the NCAA is set to pay in damages over ten years to athletes who competed from 2016 through to the present.
  • 10 years: The duration of the NCAA's payment plan for the House v. NCAA settlement.
  • 2016: The start date of the period covered by the House v. NCAA settlement.
  • 1 in 5: The percentage of NCAA Division I athletes who reported using social media to maintain a polished image, which stifled their self-expression.
  • 70%: The proportion of athletes who reported that social media affected their concentration and raised performance anxiety due to pressure to perform well or face negative critiques.

Sources:

  • Elyse Gorrell, PhD, CMPC, Brock University (https://theconversation.com/authors/elyse-gorrell-755264)
  • The Conversation -- Canada (https://theconversation.com/ca)
  • American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org)
  • NCAA (https://www.ncaa.org)
  • House v. NCAA settlement (https://www.ncaa.org/settlement)
  • The Conversation -- Canada -- By Elyse Gorrell, PhD, CMPC, Brock University (https://theconversation.com/how-social-media-is-changing-the-game-for-athletes-258887)